Schumacher wins the battle with pneumonia

Michael Schumacher

Berlin: Michael Schumacher, lying in a coma in a French hospital since a December skiing accident, has overcome a lung infection, a German daily reported on Friday.

The newspaper had reported two days earlier that the 45-year-old Schumacher had contracted pneumonia last week, but it said on Friday that the infection in fact had happened earlier and “this week no longer spells an acute danger”.

“Therefore Schumi has already won the fight against pneumonia,” said the daily.

Schumacher has been in intensive care in Grenoble University Hospital since his December 29 accident in the Alpine resort of Meribel, where he hit his head against a rock in an impact strong enough to crack his helmet.

After surgery to reduce bleeding and bruising he was placed in a medically induced coma and his body temperature lowered to reduce the risk of further damage.

Michael Schumacher’s family has said they “strongly believe” the Formula One legend will recover from his medically-induced coma, as they announced the seven-time champion is still in the “waking up process”.

The 45-year-old’s manager, Sabine Kehm, refused to comment on speculation that Schumacher has contracted “pneumonia” in hospital, as those close to him expressed their confidence he would recover from the life-threatening skiing accident which happened nearly 50 days ago.

“Michael’s family would like to again express their sincere thanks for the continuous sympathy coming from all over the world,” Schumacher’s management said. “The good wishes they receive help the family and, we are convinced they also help Michael, who still is in a waking up process.

“As often in such situation, no day is like the next. The family is thankful for one’s understanding that they would not wish to disclose medical details in order to protect Michael's privacy.

“As assured from the beginning we will continue to communicate any decisive new information on Michael’s health state. We are aware that the wake-up phase can take a long time.

“The family continues to strongly believe in Michael’s recovery and place all their trust in the doctors, nurses and nursing auxiliaries team.”